Astorino, the Westchester County executive, has been vocal in his opposition of the gun-control law championed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and has attended pro-gun rallies in recent weeks, including one Sunday in Saratoga.

"He appears to be the only viable candidate. He’s very pro-gun. He’s made some explicit statements about his feeling with firearms," said Tom King, the group's president. "We feel that he’ll make a good governor. He’s done a good job of running Westchester County."

King said the group, the state affiliate of the National Rifle Association, will hold events with Astorino around the state and try to help raise money for his candidacy.

But King said no discussions have been held yet on specifically how they will help Astorino or whether the NRA will spend money on Astorino's behalf against Cuomo.

"We’ll be holding some events. The money has to be discussed. We do have a political action committee, and undoubtedly they’ll be taking some action. That’s undecided at this point," King said.